The Yankees played a typical 2009 Yankee game: They had great starting pitching, a solid bullpen, didn't get down on themselves when they fell behind early and everyone on the team contributed (including Jeter, A-Rod and Matsui) with big hits...
I'll admit, I was more than worried before this series started. Everyone was picking the Yankees to win the series against the Twins. But I was concerned. There's something to be said for the hot team that is on a roll.
The Twins were coming off a torrid finish to their regular season and an emotional 1 game playoff against the Tigers. Plus, the Yankees' 2006 ALDS defeat to the Tigers - another team they were heavily favored to beat - is still a deep scar in my mind. So, yes, I had some trepidation about this game.
I was definitely concerned early on in the game as the Twins threatened to score both in the 1st and 2nd innings before breaking through with two runs in the 3rd. Yes, it was only two runs, but I think past Yankee playoff teams would have folded up like a cheap suit right there....
Not the 2009 Yankees though.
In the next half inning, the Captain (as he always does) tied up the game with a clutch 2-run blast to left field. I can't say enough about how clutch Derek Jeter is in each and every postseason game... It's inexplicable. ...From the flip against the A's, to the homer against the Mets in 2000, to the Nov. 1 homer off the D-backs and last night's homerun, he always comes up big when it matters the most.
From there, it was easy sailing for the Yanks with great contributions from Sabathia, A-Rod (2 RBIs in the post season for the first time in forever) and a deep blast by Matsui and great bullpen work from Hughes, Coke and Joba.
That's win 1 of 11 for the Yankees in the 2009 playoffs.
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